This section covers bodywork upgrades, period accessories and cleaning/protection products for the MGA, items that sit outside the factory-original restoration scope but add functionality, appearance or protection to the car. These are typically user-fit rather than workshop-fit items, suited to owners wanting to extend the car's usability or return it to a specific period visual appearance. The Upgrades & Alternatives section is divided into six sub-categories:
Bonnet Straps
Period-style leather bonnet straps, a visual upgrade with a racing or period-sporting appearance. Bonnet straps are not factory-fitted on MGAs but were a common period accessory on competition and sporting cars, typically fitted to secure the bonnet against opening at speed.
Polish & Body Protection
Polishing and body protection products for maintaining the MGA's paint and chrome finishes. Classic cars benefit from specific polish and protection products designed for period paint systems (cellulose, synthetic enamel) rather than modern base-coat/clear-coat systems. Regular application protects the paint from UV damage, water ingress and oxidation.
Rain-X
Rain-X water-repellent treatment for the windscreen. Applied to the outside of the windscreen, Rain-X causes water to bead and run off rather than streak, particularly useful on MGAs where the original wiper system (small wipers, limited sweep area, moderate motor power) is less effective than modern equivalents. Applied regularly, Rain-X significantly improves wet-weather visibility.
Towbars
Towbar kits for fitting to the MGA, allowing the car to tow a small trailer or luggage trailer. Not a common MGA accessory given the car's sporting orientation, but occasionally specified by owners using the car for light towing duties. Installation requires careful fitment to the rear chassis to ensure structural integrity is not compromised.
Wash/Wipe
Windscreen wash and wipe components, wiper blades, wiper arms, washer jets and tubing. The MGA's original wash/wipe system is basic by modern standards, and service-replacement components restore correct operation. Upgrades such as improved wiper arms and modern wiper blades can significantly improve wet-weather performance without compromising the car's period appearance.
Ordering considerations
These accessories are owner-fit items rather than factory-restoration components, so specification depends on the car's intended use and the owner's preferences. For cars being restored to concours-correct factory specification, most items in this section are inappropriate and should not be fitted (bonnet straps, towbars, modern polish formulations).
For cars being used regularly or being upgraded for improved usability, the items in this section offer genuine improvements without permanent modification to the car.